Médoc

Bordeaux

Bordeaux appellations · tap an area

The peninsula of deep gravel north of Bordeaux, between the Gironde estuary and the Atlantic. The Médoc holds the seven communal AOCs (Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe, Haut-Médoc, Listrac, Moulis) and the 1855 Classification — five First Growths and 55 further classed estates spread across the gravel benches. Cabernet Sauvignon-led blends, structured for decades of cellar.

The wines of Médoc are made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and other Bordeaux varieties.

-1–50 m

Elevation range

red

Wine styles

7 Communes

Avg. slope 1.9°

60 Châteaux

Bordeaux appellations · tap an area

Vineyard Map

Climate

Maritime influence from the Gironde estuary moderates temperatures and extends the growing season, while the large water body creates morning mists that delay ripening and reduce frost risk. The peninsula position provides excellent air circulation that helps prevent fungal diseases.

Terroir

Deep gravelSandClayLimestone

The Médoc sits on Quaternary gravel terraces deposited by ancient rivers, overlying Oligocene limestone bedrock rich in marine fossils. These well-draining gravel beds, mixed with clay lenses, allow deep root penetration while the limestone substratum provides mineral uptake and regulates water availability during dry periods.

Typical Aromas

blackcurrantcedartobaccographitedark plum

Explore the aroma wheel

1855 Médoc Classification

Created for the Paris Exposition of 1855 from Bordeaux brokers' price lists. Five tiers from First through Fifth Growth, 60 classed estates in the Médoc (plus one in Pessac-Léognan). Only ever amended once — Mouton Rothschild was promoted from Second to First Growth in 1973. The classification covers Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe and Haut-Médoc, with Sauternes classified separately on the same day.

Premiers Crus (First Growths)

Château Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Margaux, Mouton Rothschild (Médoc), plus Haut-Brion (Pessac-Léognan).

Deuxièmes Crus (Second Growths)

14 estates, including Cos d'Estournel, Montrose, Léoville Las Cases, Léoville Poyferré, Léoville Barton, Pichon Baron, Pichon Comtesse, Rauzan-Ségla and Ducru-Beaucaillou.

Troisièmes Crus (Third Growths)

14 estates, including Palmer, Calon-Ségur, Lagrange, Boyd-Cantenac and Marquis d'Alesme Becker.

Quatrièmes Crus (Fourth Growths)

10 estates including Beychevelle, Talbot, Saint-Pierre, Branaire-Ducru and Pouget.

Cinquièmes Crus (Fifth Growths)

18 estates including Lynch-Bages, Pontet-Canet, Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Batailley, Haut-Batailley, Lynch-Moussas, du Tertre and Cantemerle. Many overperform their original ranking today.